Brass Band League

ISSUED TO ALL MEMBER BANDS 25 JULY 2020

This updated advice note replaces that issued on 1^st July 2020. It has been drawn up to reflect changes agreed by the NI Executive on 23 July. It will be kept under review by the Brass Band League.

1. Indoor meetings (not playing e.g. band committee meetings, AGMs etc)

The Health Regulations in Northern Ireland allow up to ten people from four different households to meet indoors in a private dwelling (i.e. someone’s home).

The Regulations also allow for up to 30 people to meet indoors in premises other than a private dwelling (e.g. a band hall) where the gathering is not an organised one – for example, up to 30 people could meet in a band hall for an Annual General Meeting.

If you decide to meet indoors you should do so as safely as possible and follow public health advice by:

• limiting the duration of visits
• ensuring good ventilation
• maintaining good hand hygiene
• practicing social distancing where possible
• stagger arrival and departure times
• keep an accurate record of attendance, including arrival and departure times, and contact details for potential use in contact tracing. 

The use of a face covering is also strongly advised.

If using toilets these should be cleaned before and after each use and the lid lowered when flushing to reduce the spread of aerosols. 

2. Indoor musical activities (music lessons, section rehearsals, full band rehearsals)

As at 1 above, up to 10 people from four households can meet in a private dwelling. This could allow for individual and small group lessons or sectional rehearsals to take place in someone’s home.

The Health Regulations also allow for any number of people to meet indoors where the gathering is organised or operated for cultural, entertainment, social or educational reasons. The person responsible for organising or operating the gathering must:

• have carried out a risk assessment which meets the requirements of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000(b), whether or not that person is subject to those Regulations;
• take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus, including implementing the preventive and protective measures identified in the risk assessment undertaken in accordance with sub-paragraph (a) and
• comply with any relevant guidance issued by a Northern Ireland Department.

The public health advice at 1 applies. In addition you should:

• Strictly observe social distancing of 2m in all directions while playing and aim instruments away from other players where possible 
• Individuals should each handle only their own music stand and music, and take all equipment home after each meeting
• Bring a towel or similar to empty water keys onto. This should only be handled by the individual, removed by them and cleaned or disposed of after each use
• Instruments should be cleaned after each use
• Extra cleaning of mouthpieces should be observed
• There should be no sharing of instruments or accessories i.e. mutes or valve oil
• After rehearsals the area should be thoroughly cleaned before being used by anyone else i.e. crawling children
• Ventilation should be increased as much as possible

Currently, theatres, concert halls and conference facilities (including those at hotels) are not permitted to re-open. The NI Executive has given an indicative date of 28 August for indoor spectators at events to be allowed.

3. Outdoor gatherings (rehearsals and performances)

Any number of people from different households can gather outdoors where the gathering is organised or operated for cultural, entertainment, social or educational reasons. The same conditions on risk assessments, limiting virus transmission and complying with guidance detailed at 2 above also apply.

This should allow outdoor rehearsals and performances to take place. However, please note that specific guidance on performance is being drawn up by the Arts Council NI. It is hoped this will be published in the near future but until that is available, the BBL would advise that the public health advice at 1 and the following are observed:

• Strictly observe social distancing of 2m in all directions while playing and aim instruments away from other players where possible 
• Individuals should each handle only their own music stand and music, and take all equipment home after each meeting
• Bring a towel or similar to empty water keys onto. This should only be handled by the individual, removed by them and cleaned or disposed of after each use
• Instruments should be cleaned after each use
• Extra cleaning of mouthpieces should be observed
• There should be no sharing of instruments or accessories i.e. mutes or valve oil
• Keep the activity time involved as short as possible
• Consider using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
• Avoid facing each other directly
• Reduce the number of people each person has contact with
• If using toilet facilities these should be cleaned before and after each use and the lid lowered when flushing to reduce the spread of aerosols. 

Seated outdoor performances such as in local parks may be undertaken but bands should liaise closely with organisers of events such as local councils on the responsibilities for risk assessment etc.

A standalone march or parade is permissible. The guidance is the same as for outdoor rehearsals, including compliance with any conditions of parading as set by the Parades Commission. Advice should be sought from the PSNI.

Notes on this advice

This advice does not apply directly to anyone currently in a vulnerable group/shielding. They should continue to follow the advice that remains in place for that group until the shielding period is paused on 31 July.  Similarly, anyone currently showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been in recent contact with someone who has, or those belonging to vulnerable categories, should not yet take part in any group activity but should remain at home in isolation.

Further Information

Health Regulations: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-protection-coronavirus-restrictions-no2-regulations-northern-ireland-2020

COVID-19 guidance: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

Just a brief update to the ongoing information we have been releasing in regards brass bands in NI:

The NI Executive published new regulations on 23 July which contain an easing of the previous restrictions on “gatherings” (a gathering is defined in the regulations as “when two or more persons are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other”

The full regulations are here:

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/nisr_20200150_en.pdf

Under these new regulations the limit on people participating in indoor or outdoor gatherings of more than 30 people is retained except where a gathering is organised or operated for a number of listed purposes, including cultural, entertainment and recreational. In such circumstances, the person organising or operating the gathering must:

• Have carried out a risk assessment which meets the requirement of existing health and safety legislation;
• Take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus, including implementing preventative and protective measures; and
• Comply with any relevant guidance provided by a government department.

The regulations prohibit theatres, concert halls and conference facilities (including those in hotels) from re-opening.

The Executive of the BBL have been in direct contact with the Department of Communities and have been advised that guidance for performance is being prepared on their behalf by the Arts Council NI, and will be published in the very near future.

Clearly that guidance, once available, will be critical in determining whether this latest relaxation of the regulations will assist bands to resume activities such as full band indoor rehearsals and outdoor concerts etc. We would therefore advise bands to adopt a precautionary approach in the meantime. We will continue to engage with the relevant authorities next week and will advise all bands as soon as we have any outcomes to report. We are also in the process of reviewing the existing guidance we issued on 1^st July with a view to issuing this in revised form.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

We have also been working on various other items that we hope to be able to share with you in the next week or two.  If you haven’t already, please get in touch and let us know the details for your band so they can go on the Band Map section of our website which you can find here: https://brassbandleague.org/map/

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do our best to assist. You can email us at secretary@brassbandleague.org

We have received several enquiries from bands following the publication of new advice from the UK government and Brass Band England, however we are not currently in a position to update our advice issued on 01 Jul 2020 as we are waiting on a response from the Public Health Agency of Northern Ireland who received a copy of our advice for comment earlier this week.  For your information, last week we also sent correspondence to both the Department of Communities and the Department of Education and are waiting on a response from them as well.  As soon as we have any further advice we will be in immediate contact with you all.

The BBL Executive also had another Zoom meeting this week and we are working on a number of items that we hope to be able to share with you soon.

If you have any further queries please let me know and I’ll try my best to assist.

Following the recent statement of advice from Brass Band England that has been shared widely on social media, we have felt it necessary, with the permission of BBE to adapt the advice in line with the current regulations specific to Northern Ireland.  It should be noted that we are in a very quickly changing situation and as such revisions may be required to this advice on a regular basis.

1. Indoor meetings (not playing)

Up to six people from different households can meet indoors.

If you decide to meet indoors you should do so as safely as possible and follow public health advice by:

• limiting the duration of visits
• ensuring good ventilation
• maintaining good hand hygiene
• practicing social distancing where possible

The use of a face covering is also strongly advised.

If using toilets these should be cleaned before and after each use and the lid lowered when flushing to reduce the spread of aerosols. 

Overnight stays are not permitted and those who are medically shielding are strongly advised to continue following the advice that remains in place for that group until the shielding period is paused on 31 July.

2. Indoor meetings (music lessons, section rehearsals, full band rehearsals, concerts)

The advice at 1 applies. In addition you should:

• Strictly observe social distancing of 2m in all directions while playing and aim instruments away from other players where possible 
• Individuals should each handle only their own music stand and music, and take all equipment home after each meeting
• Bring a towel or similar to empty water keys onto. This should only be handled by the individual, removed by them and cleaned or disposed of after each use
• Instruments should be cleaned after each use
• Extra cleaning of mouthpieces should be observed
• There should be no sharing of instruments or accessories i.e. mutes or valve oil
• After rehearsals the area should be thoroughly cleaned before being used by anyone else i.e. crawling children
• Ventilation should be increased as much as possible to remove the accumulation of aerosol particles

Rehearsals/concerts of more than 6 people indoors are not permitted.

3. Outdoor gatherings (rehearsals and performances)

Up to 30 people from different households can meet up outdoors but should maintain social distancing by being 2m apart.

This in theory should allow outdoor rehearsals to take place, provided the following are observed:

• Strictly observe social distancing of 2m in all directions while playing and aim instruments away from other players where possible 
• Individuals should each handle only their own music stand and music, and take all equipment home after each meeting
• Bring a towel or similar to empty water keys onto. This should only be handled by the individual, removed by them and cleaned or disposed of after each use
• Instruments should be cleaned after each use
• Extra cleaning of mouthpieces should be observed
• There should be no sharing of instruments or accessories i.e. mutes or valve oil
• Keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
• Using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
• Avoid facing each other directly
• Stagger arrival and departure times
• Reducing the number of people each person has contact with
• If using toilet facilities these should be cleaned before and after each use and the lid lowered when flushing to reduce the spread of aerosols. 

In addition, bands are advised to keep an accurate record of attendance, including arrival and departure times, and contact details for potential use in contact tracing. 

Seated outdoor performances such as in local parks will be difficult/impossible to undertake if it is likely that large numbers of people will converge and crowds will form.

A standalone march or parade may be permissible. The guidance is the same as for outdoor rehearsals, including a maximum of 30 people participating in the band, and compliance with any conditions of parading as set by the Parades Commission. Advice should be sought from the PSNI. A march leading a parade, where the total numbers involved exceed 30 people, is not permissible.

4. Indoor church services

Certain church services (not baptisms, funerals or certain weddings) in places of worship resumed on 29 June. Advice has been issued to churches, and whilst not specific on the playing of brass instruments, it does indicate that activities such as singing can increase dispersal of the virus through aerosols and droplets, especially at loud volumes, and should not be encouraged. This advice may change in the near future but for now it is not advisable for bands or brass ensembles to take part in church services.

Notes on this advice

This advice does not apply directly to anyone currently being shielded. They should continue to observe the latest specific Government advice and any direct contact with other band members should carefully reflect this. Similarly, anyone currently showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been in recent contact with someone who has, or those belonging to vulnerable categories, should not yet take part in any group activity but should remain at home in isolation.

Further Information

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-and-what-they-mean-you

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/your-guide-to-covid-regs.pdf

This message has been emailed to all affiliated and unaffiliated bands that we have email addresses for. If you have not received this and are the secretary or bandmaster of your band, please contact our secretary Amber at 07593061905 or secretary@brassbandleague.org

Brass in Concert 2019

Once again, it’s been another busy year for the BBL.  We started our banding year in the first weekend in March at the Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown.  The weekend featured seventeen bands in total doing what brass bands do best – entertaining a crowd.

The event started on the Friday night with a fantastic concert with five local bands.  Ballyreagh Silver Band, Enniskillen Royal Grammar School, Tempo Silver Band, Churchill Silver Band and Murley Silver band all provided an excellent opening to our Brass in Concert weekend. 

On the Saturday, Mike Kilroy and Alan Trimble were in the adjudicator hot seats judging the bands on their musical and entertainment performance quality respectively. Poyntzpass Silver Band, Wellington Memorial Silver Band, CWA Brass and 1^st Old Boys Band all won their sections and were inaugural winners of our brand new Brass in Concert trophies.

Spring Festival and Band of the Year

Saturday 6^th April saw the Brass Band League return to Strabane’s Alley Theatre with their annual Spring Festival contest as guests of the North West Music Festival.

Sheona White adjudicated the performances of all 11 bands playing their own choice of contest piece. Enniskillen Royal Grammar School (School Band), Roughan Silver Band (2^nd Section) and 1^st Old Boys Band (Championship Section) came away with all the silverware in their sections.  Mark Ruddock from Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band also went home with the Peter Arthurs Memorial Trophy for Best Soprano On The Day. 

The Band of the Year for 2018-19 prizes were also presented at the Spring Festival. The 4^th/5^th Section trophy went to Poyntzpass Silver, 3^rd Section to Wellington Memorial Silver, 2^nd Section to Roughan Silver with Laganvale (Metal Technology) Band taking the Championship Section trophy and the Haughton Cup for overall Band of the Year.

BBL Quiz Night

The Brass Band League doesn’t just do contests and Friday 2^nd August brought the BBL to Carrick Amateur Social Club in Carrickfergus for the second BBL Quiz night.  Members were competing for the coveted March Prize alongside the overall Winners’ Prize. 

The results were tight but the March Prize went to CWA Brass whilst a joint team of Third Carrickfergus Silver Band/Downshire Brass/CWA Brass took home the overall prize.  It was a great night that managed to raise over £300 to go towards future Brass Band League events!

Solos and Ensembles

With the Festival of Brass event taking a hiatus in 2019 our next event was the Solos and Ensembles that were held on 15^th February 2020 in Malone Presbyterian Church Halls and they brought the 2019-2020 banding year to a close.

With the assistance of Tyrone Fermanagh Brass Band Summer School (FTBBSS), the BBL were delighted to welcome back Owen Farr and Les Neish to adjudicate the Youth and Senior Section respectively.

It was a great day with competitors from 12 different bands and every brass instrument in a band represented!  With 113 performances across 14 classes, there are too many prize winners to name is this brief round-up but you can find the full list of results to all our contests here: https://brassbandleague.org/results-2/

That concludes the round up for the 2019-2020 contesting banding year.  I would like to thank all our adjudicators, compères, and venue hosts. I would also like to thank all the bands and their members who have been involved in our events throughout the year.  I hope that even with everything that is going on that you, like me, are looking forward to seeing everyone again at all our future events. Stay safe!

Due to the current circumstances surrounding Coronavirus, the Brass Band League along with our partners, Together in Music, have taken the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s Spring Festival contest that was due to take place in the Strule Arts Theatre, Omagh, on the Saturday 25^th April.  Sadly the concert that was due to take place on the preceding evening featuring Owen Farr with Churchill Silver and Omagh Academy Brass Bands has also been cancelled. 

This was not an easy decision to make on our part as we have recently visited the lovely facilities in Omagh and were looking forward to having our event there.  Hopefully we can return to Omagh in 2021. 

All BBL delegate meetings are also cancelled until further notice.

However, we still hope to release the results of our annual ‘Band of the Year’ competition in the coming weeks.  The actual prize giving may have to wait until later in the year but we would like to give you something to look forward to!

We currently find ourselves in extraordinary times and would like to ask you all to look out for and support one another.  The Brass Band League will also do our utmost to support all of our bands in any way that we can – please don’t hesitate to get in contact if you need to.

Finally, Brass Bands England have published some very sensible advice aimed at Brass Bands which you can access here https://www.bbe.org.uk/news/13032020-1704/bbe-statement-the-covid-19-pandemic.  They have kindly given permission for us to share this with you.

Best Wishes

The Brass Band League Executive